Happy holidays, and a wish for the new year.

As we look forward to the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, and those you love, a joyous holiday season.

In a world with so much strife, tragedy and hate, I am especially grateful to our staff – you should take great pride in the work you do and the compassion and dedication you show our clients. Many have suffered, not only at the hands of their abusers, but because of their religion, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

And to our supporters – thank you for your incredible support in 2015. From giving to volunteering to educating others about Sanctuary’s work, you made a difference.

Sadly, recent events have allowed bigotry and hateful rhetoric to have a national platform. Some of our Muslim clients and staff and have expressed concern for their own and their families’ safety. Let’s continue to let them know that Sanctuary is a safe place to express those concerns and make every effort to help them through these difficult times.

I know that you join me in hoping that the new year brings peace and understanding to our troubled world.